Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act or the BLAST Act This bill revises the post-employment lobbying ban on former Members and elected officers of Congress. Specifically, it imposes a permanent ban on lobbying contacts by a former Senator (currently, a two-year ban), a former Member of the House of Representatives (currently, a one-year ban), or a former elected officer of the House or Senate (currently, a one-year ban).
Impact
If enacted, SB88 would substantially alter the landscape of lobbying in Washington, D.C., by closing the door on lobbying opportunities for former officials at any time after their tenure. This change is positioned as a critical step toward enforcing stricter ethical standards and enhancing accountability in Congress. Proponents argue that such regulations would mitigate the risk of former officials leveraging personal relationships formed during their tenure to unduly influence legislative processes.
Summary
SB88, known as the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act, aims to amend title 18, United States Code, by establishing a permanent ban on lobbying activities for former Members of Congress and elected officers after leaving office. Previously, post-employment lobbying bans were temporary, allowing former Senators and Members of the House to lobby after two and one year respectively. The proposed changes would eliminate this window entirely, intending to foster greater trust in government institutions and reduce potential conflicts of interest.
Contention
While supporters of SB88 contend that the bill is essential for preserving the integrity of governmental operations, there are voices of dissent highlighting the potential drawbacks of such an absolute prohibition. Critics argue that a lifetime ban might deter capable individuals from pursuing public office, thereby discouraging diverse professional backgrounds in government. They assert that carefully crafted restrictions could offer a balanced approach that preserves both ethical standards and the attractiveness of public service.
Notable_points
The Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act reflects a growing concern regarding the influence of money in politics and the revolving door between government and the lobbying industry. As discussions on this bill progress, its implications for both ethical governance and public trust remain at the forefront of legislative debates.
Ban Congressmen Lobbyists Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from lobbying Congress or federal agencies at any point after leaving office. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying Congress for two years after leaving office. Members of the House of Representatives are prohibited from lobbying Congress for one year after leaving office. The bill applies to any person who is a Member of Congress during the 118th Congress or any succeeding Congress.
Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act This bill allows future Members of the House of Representatives to opt out of the Federal Employees Retirement System, an option currently available to Members of the House who began serving before September 30, 2003, and all Senators. In addition, it permits Members of Congress who opt out to continue to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.
End Pensions in Congress Act or the EPIC Act This bill excludes future Members of Congress from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and requires Members currently enrolled in FERS or the Civil Service Retirement System to opt in to continue their enrollment.
Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.
Removal of the Highway Plan and Building Restriction Line from Lot 9 in Square 5914 along the West Side of Congress Street, S.E., S.O. 22-01642, Act of 2024
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.